WWE Rumor Roundup - Royal Rumble winner revealed? Uncertainty over Drew McIntyre's neck injury, talents depressed after major release (January 7th, 2022)

#4. Updates on Drew McIntyre's injury and WWE hiatus

Drew McIntyre was written off WWE TV at Day 1 due to a legitimate neck injury, and we've now received a timely update on his status from the Wrestling Observer.

The former WWE Champion has been facing neck issues for a few months. If he continued to wrestle, McIntyre could have been forced to undergo major surgery.

McIntyre will get his neck extensively tested next week, and as of this writing, there is some uncertainty over the seriousness of his injury. WWE officials hope the SmackDown superstar isn't severely hurt and will be eligible to return for WrestleMania.

"Legitimately, McIntyre's neck has been bothering him for months and if he kept going he was on the way to major surgery. As of a few days ago, the plan was for McIntyre to have the neck looked at extensively over the next week," revealed Dave Meltzer.

However, WWE's plans could get scrapped if Drew McIntyre needs surgery, putting him out of action for several months. It was noted that people backstage were unsure about McIntyre's status and the timing of his absence was also the worst as he was one of SmackDown's leading babyfaces.

"There's really nothing more known until it's fully examined The hope is that it's not bad and he can come back soon, at least by Mania, and that he won't need surgery which will put him out for months. But right now nobody knows. From a timing standpoint it wasn't good because Smackdown has no other full-time top face," Meltzer added.

Sportskeeda Wrestling sends its best wishes to Drew McIntyre and hopes he makes a speedy recovery.

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#3. Talents depressed after William Regal's WWE release

William Regal's shocking WWE release has had a negative impact on the talents in NXT, as revealed by Dave Meltzer.

The most recent cuts resulted in long-time veterans being let go, and William Regal's WWE departure was the most unexpected development. Superstars and backstage officials of NXT are reportedly 'very depressed' about Regal's release and are pondering the future of WWE's third brand.

"Talent and others in the system were very depressed, with many wondering the future of the brand," Meltzer wrote in the Newsletter.

William Regal is one of the most respected names in the wrestling business and was responsible for giving several top stars their early break.

Many top stars still approach William Regal for advice, and he has also received a lot of support on social media following the release.

After an abrupt end to his 22-year-long tenure in WWE, where do you see William Regal going next?